L-8 (early model)

8mm Camera

1942

FILM CAPACITY: 25ft daylight loading spools of double run 8mm
film. When a roll runs through the camera, only half the width of film
is exposed. The spool is then reversed and run through again, exposing
the other half. When processed, film is split and spliced together giving
50' for projection. Projection time at 16 fps for 25' roll is 4 minutes.

THREADING: manual, with no loop forming; with the pressure pad
opened the film is simply placed over a guide roller, threaded behind
the gate, over the bottom guide roller and onto the takeup spool.

MOTOR: Constant speed, spring motor mechanism; governor controlled.
Generous winding key, attached to the camera, folds back against its side
when not in use. Spring cannot be over-wound.

LENS MOUNT: Thread diameter of 5/8" (15.8mm) with a setting of
0.3075" (7.8mm). Standard D mount lenses can be used with the L-8
ring adaptor.

VIEWFINDER: Optical type; instantly changed with a sliding mask,
to accommodate the field of view for lenses of F=12.5mm, 25mm and 36mm.
The field is seen through the finder as it will appear on the film.

PRECISE SPEED: Exposures are made at 1/30th second at 16 frames
per second.

RELEASE BUTTON: provides for the making of continuous exposures
by finger-tip release or by locking it in running position. The button
also rotates to provide a definite lock to prevent accidental operation
when not in use.

FOOTAGE COUNTER: automatically resets to zero when film is removed
or when changing spools from one side to the other. When the end of 25ft
of film is passing the gate, an indicator comes into the finder automatically.

TRIPOD SOCKET: 1/4" thread

Notes and Comments

The early model L-8 camera can be identified by the lack of a speed control
dial. This version was designed with a fixed speed of 16 frames per second,
with a 1/30th second exposure time. A soft skinned leather zipper case, wrist
strap and red colored Paillard box were originally included with the purchase
of the L-8. In addition, a choice of two lenses was available: a Yvar 12.5mm
f/2.8 lens with fixed focus or the same with a focusing ring.

Serial Numbers and Dates of Manufacture

The serial number on a Bolex L8 can be found on the base of the camera, inscribed around the tripod mount; it can be used to determine the year in which it was manufactured. The L8 was improved in 1947 with the addition of a variable speed dial.